Choosing the right emergency transmitter for your boat can be the difference between a routine rescue and a prolonged, dangerous wait for help. This guide compares top boat safety EPIRBs, PLBs, and survival kits available today. Recommendations are based on hands-on testing, manufacturer specifications, expert opinion, and real-world user feedback.
How we tested and selected products
- Hands-on testing: We evaluated ease of activation, visibility, and build quality in simulated deployment scenarios and checked key functions such as GNSS fix time, strobe output, and user interface.
- Technical verification: We verified satellite compatibility (406 MHz/COSPAS‑SARSAT, MEOSAR), AIS/DSC capability, battery and operational runtime, and presence of services like Return Link Service (RLS).
- Expert & user input: We incorporated feedback from commercial mariners, cruising sailors, and rescue professionals plus aggregated verified consumer reviews focusing on reliability and long-term ownership experience.
- Practical criteria: We prioritized proven distress signaling (global satellite + local homing/AIS), battery longevity, visibility, mounting/deployment options, and overall value for the intended use (offshore, coastal, or single‑handed sail/packable PLB).
Compact Personal PLB
A very compact, one‑hand PLB designed for minimalists and day‑sailors. Offers robust GPS accuracy, >24 hours runtime, waterproofing to 49 feet, and a 7‑year battery with no subscription required — ideal as a pocket safety device or lifejacket mount.
The rescueME PLB1 is the smallest personal locator beacon in this group, and its one‑hand operation and low weight make it perfect for kayakers, day sailors, and anyone who needs a truly portable distress device. In testing it delivered fast GNSS fixes thanks to a 66‑channel receiver and a bright 1‑candela strobe that’s useful in low light. Battery life (7 years, 24+ hours runtime) and full 406 MHz COSPAS‑SARSAT support without subscriptions keep ownership simple. Downsides: it’s a PLB rather than a full EPIRB (no boat‑mounted auto‑release float free deployment or built‑in AIS broadcast), so it best suits individuals or as a secondary personal device rather than the sole vessel EPIRB.
ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS
A premium, boat‑mounted EPIRB that combines global 406 MHz satellite signaling with AIS broadcasting for nearby vessels, RLS confirmation, NFC diagnostics, and a 10‑year battery — built for offshore voyaging and commercial users.
The GlobalFix V5 AIS stands out for bringing both global satellite distress signaling and local AIS broadcasting to the same unit. That dual pathway increases the chances of rapid rescue: satellites alert MRCCs globally while nearby AIS‑equipped vessels receive immediate boat‑to‑boat warnings. Return Link Service (RLS) provides confirmation that your distress was received, and NFC lets you quickly read status and battery info from a phone. The 10‑year battery and SOLAS‑grade strobe/infrared aids visibility. At its price point it’s a clear investment for offshore sailors, commercial operators, and anyone who wants layered detection pathways, though buyers should budget for professional installation and a float‑free auto‑release bracket if required by regulation.
GlobalFix V6 EPIRB
A versatile, modern EPIRB with RLS, multi‑GNSS (GPS/Galileo/GLONASS), NFC smartphone integration, strobe and infrared signaling, and a 10‑year battery — strong balance of capability and price for offshore and coastal craft.
The GlobalFix V6 delivers many of the advanced features buyers want at a more accessible price than the top‑end AIS models. It supports MEOSAR‑compatible 406 MHz transmission, multi‑GNSS for faster and more accurate location fixes, and Return Link Service to confirm that rescue authorities received the alert. NFC + mobile app diagnostics simplify pre‑departure checks, and the lightweight package with visible strobe and infrared options helps search teams identify targets. For boat owners who want near‑top performance without paying for AIS or the largest survival kits, the V6 is an excellent compromise — reliable, feature‑rich, and straightforward to own.
ACR V6 RLS Kit
A comprehensive survival kit pairing a V6 RLS EPIRB with a ResQLink 410 RLS PLB, a RapidDitch bag, and multiple signaling tools — designed for owners who want maximum redundancy and integrated rescue tech.
This survival kit bundles redundancy and practical gear for the highest confidence in a real emergency: a GlobalFix V6 EPIRB with RLS for vessel‑level distress, plus a ResQLink 410 RLS PLB for crew‑level portability, all stored in a RapidDitch express bag with strobe and whistle signaling tools. Our testing found the kit valuable for cruisers and offshore racers because it addresses multiple failure modes — if the EPIRB can’t be deployed, the PLB in the ditch bag gives each crew member an independent rescue channel. The cost is higher, but the mix of boat and personal devices, combined with SOLAS‑grade adjuncts, makes it the best all‑around safety investment for serious passage‑makers.
Quick comparison at a glance
- Compact Personal PLB (Best Budget Pick) — Best for solo sailors, kayakers, or as a backup on any boat. Lightweight, easy to carry, and low cost of ownership.
- ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS (Premium Choice) — Best for offshore voyaging where local AIS notification to nearby vessels is a major advantage. Premium features and build.
- GlobalFix V6 EPIRB (Best Value for Money) — Strong middle ground: modern GNSS, RLS, NFC diagnostics, and long battery life without premium AIS cost.
- ACR V6 RLS Kit (Editors Choice) — Best-in-class redundancy and preparedness with both vessel and personal beacons plus survival gear.
Key technical differences:
- Satellite signaling: All devices use COSPAS‑SARSAT 406 MHz; EPIRBs provide boat‑mounted solutions while PLBs are personal.
- AIS/DSC: Only the V5 integrates AIS broadcasting to nearby vessels (in this set). The MOB/AIS device is specialized for man‑overboard scenarios.
- Runtime & battery life: EPIRBs here commonly offer 10‑year battery lifespans; PLBs typically have 7 years and ~24+ hours operation.
- Additional services: RLS and NFC diagnostics appear on the modern ACR V5/V6 family, increasing situational feedback and ease of maintenance.
Final recommendation
If you want a single strongest overall safety investment for offshore cruising and aren’t constrained by budget, the ACR V6 RLS Survival Kit (Editors Choice) is the best pick — it provides vessel‑mounted distress signaling plus personal redundancy and essential ditchgear. For sailors prioritizing local rescue awareness from nearby commercial and recreational traffic, the ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS (Premium Choice) is the go‑to. If you need balance — modern features, solid capability, and better affordability — the GlobalFix V6 EPIRB (Best Value) is the most practical and capable choice. For paddlers, day sailors, or anyone needing a compact personal device or a secondary beacon, the rescueME PLB1 (Best Budget Pick) is an excellent, low‑hassle option.
These recommendations reflect hands‑on evaluation, technical verification, and consumer feedback. When choosing, consider your typical operating area (inshore vs offshore), crew size, and whether you prefer vessel‑mounted auto‑deploy solutions or portable personal beacons. Proper installation, registration with your national authority, and regular testing/inspection are essential to ensure performance in an emergency.